US Ambassador: Poverty Sent Bulgarians to Streets

Bulgarians took to the streets protesting because of economic problems, according to US Ambassador Marcie Ries.

Speaking Thursday in an interview for the Bulgarian National Radio, BNR, the diplomat stated that as early as last summer, now-outgoing Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov, scrapped the project to build a second Nuclear Power Plant in the Danube town of Belene on grounds of lack of economic feasibility, and now people in Bulgaria are rallying over economic reasons as well.

The Ambassador pointed out protests have raised different issues and posed various demands, but the overall impression was that common people have a hard time meeting their basis needs.

Ries stressed that despite the economic hardships, Bulgarians should keep their faith in the rule of law and voiced hope the next Cabinet would not abandon its main themes as rule of law and media freedom are the foundations of economic growth and advancement.

The center-right government of Bulgarian PM Boyko Borisov and his Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria, GERB, party resigned on February 20 amid protests against poverty and corruption.

Snap election is to be held May 12, just two months ahead of the regular date in July.